Once overshadowed by its more-visited Nordic neighbours, Finland’s creative capital is fast becoming one of Europe’s most exciting cities, and is a wonderfully stylish destination for a Christmas market break.

What makes this break unique is that it is like two Christmas market breaks rolled into one – it is well worth taking the ferry across to the Estonian capital, Tallinn, which has equally atmospheric markets.

Rebecca Bruce, Inntravel snow holiday expert

Winter arrives early in Helsinki. Nights draw in, the waters of the Baltic Sea begin to freeze and snow starts to gather on the city’s rooftops. But rather than retreat indoors during the colder months, Helsinki comes alive, countering the darkness with thousands of sparkling festive lights.

The most famous of these float above the city’s main shopping street, Aleksanterinkatu, and their eagerly anticipated switching-on ceremony marks the official beginning of the Christmas season in Helsinki. Elsewhere in the city, inviting market stalls tempt you in with their promise of traditional Finnish handicrafts, beautiful festive decorations and a warming glass of glögi – Finland’s answer to mulled wine, often served with a dash of vodka to keep out the cold.